The Legend of the Brno Dragon Explained

The story dates back many centuries. Legend says a dragon lived near the Svratka River. It terrorized the local people and ate their livestock. No one knew how to stop the giant monster. Finally, a brave butcher came up with a clever plan. He stuffed a cowhide with lime and left it as bait. The dragon ate the hide and became very thirsty. It drank so much water that the lime expanded inside. The beast eventually burst, and the city was saved.

In reality, the dragon is a preserved crocodile. It was likely a gift from a visiting noble or diplomat. Such exotic animals were rare in Central Europe long ago. People had never seen a crocodile before. They naturally assumed it was a legendary dragon. Today, it remains a symbol of the city's history. You can see it for free in the passage. It is one of many local secrets in Brno worth finding.

Top 10 Things to See in Brno Old Town

Brno is the capital of Moravia. It offers a mix of gothic history and modern vibes. Use this list to plan your walk through the city center. Most of these spots are near the Old Town Hall. You can easily see them in one day. Here are the top picks for your 2026 visit.

• Best overall: The Brno Dragon (Old Town Hall)
• Best for families: Labyrinth Under the Vegetable Market
• Best rainy-day: 10-Z Bunker
• Best free: Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul

1. Name: The Brno Dragon Type: Sight Why go: It is the iconic crocodile from the city legends. Best for: History buffs and photographers. Where: Old Town Hall entrance. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from the main train station. Tip: Look up immediately as you enter the passage.
2. Name: The Brno Wheel Type: Sight Why go: A wooden wheel made in a single day as part of a bet. Best for: Fans of local folklore. Where: Old Town Hall passage. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located right next to the dragon. Tip: Read the legend of the Brno cart wheel on the nearby plaque.
3. Name: Old Town Hall Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: It offers the best panoramic views of the city center. Best for: Seeing the skyline. Where: Radnická street. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Small entry fee. Getting there: Enter through the tourist information center. Tip: Notice the bent pinnacle on the outside entrance.
4. Name: Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul Type: Sight Why go: Iconic twin towers that dominate the city skyline. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Petrov Hill. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free for the nave. Getting there: A short uphill walk from the Vegetable Market. Tip: The bells ring noon at 11:00 AM every day.
5. Name: Vegetable Market (Zelný trh) Type: Market Why go: A vibrant square with fresh produce and local crafts. Best for: Foodies and local atmosphere. Where: Center of the Old Town. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free to browse. Getting there: Use the Brno Public Transport to reach the center. Tip: Try the seasonal fruit or local Moravian wine.
6. Name: Labyrinth Under the Vegetable Market Type: Experience Why go: Medieval cellars used for storing food and brewing beer. Best for: Unique underground exploration. Where: Beneath Zelný trh. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Ticketed tour. Getting there: Entrance is on the lower side of the market. Tip: Wear a jacket as it is cold underground.
7. Name: Špilberk Castle Type: Sight Why go: A massive fortress that once served as a harsh prison. Best for: History and castle grounds. Where: Špilberk Hill. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Free for grounds; fee for museum. Getting there: Walk up through the park from Husova street. Tip: Check the Go To Brno portal for seasonal events.
8. Name: Ossuary at the Church of St. James Type: Experience Why go: The second-largest ossuary in Europe after Paris. Best for: Those interested in the macabre. Where: Near Rašín street. Time: 40 minutes. Cost: Ticketed entry. Getting there: A 5-minute walk from the main square. Tip: Book in advance during peak summer months.
9. Name: 10-Z Bunker Type: Experience Why go: A nuclear shelter from the Cold War era. Best for: Modern history fans. Where: Under Špilberk Hill. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Ticketed entry. Getting there: Entrance is near Husova street. Tip: Visit the 10-Z Bunker for a unique overnight stay.
10. Name: Villa Tugendhat Type: Sight Why go: A masterpiece of modern architecture and a UNESCO site. Best for: Design enthusiasts. Where: Černá Pole district. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Ticketed entry. Getting there: Take tram 9 or 11 from the center. Tip: You must book months in advance at the UNESCO site page.

Why is There a Crocodile in Brno Old Town Hall Today?

Today, the crocodile serves as a reminder of Brno's unique identity. It is not just a tourist attraction. It represents the city's resilience and sense of humor. The Old Town Hall itself is the oldest secular building in Brno. It houses the tourist office where you can get maps. You can also see the famous bent pinnacle on the portal. The architect made it crooked because the city didn't pay him enough. These quirks make Brno a fascinating place to explore.

When you visit, take a moment to look at the ceiling. The dragon is carefully preserved and often restored. It has survived wars and urban changes for centuries. It is one of the most photographed spots in the Czech Republic. Many local souvenirs feature the dragon's likeness. You can find dragon-themed magnets, beers, and even gingerbread. For more information, visit the Visit Czechia website to plan your trip.